Madison Common Council Censures Alder Accused of Harassment, Domestic Abuse

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – In an unprecedented move, the Madison Common Council censured one of its alders Tuesday night. 

Charles Myadze represents the city’s 18th District, on the north side. He’s been accused of harassment and abuse by at least four women total.

Fellow Alder Juliana Bennett accused him of harassment and inappropriate behavior. Former Deputy Mayor Gloria Reyes accused him of domestic abuse. 

After some allegations first surfaced earlier this year, the Common Council passed a new policy on how to handle complaints against alders, and requiring independent investigations. A new complaint was filed under that policy, prompting an investigation. 

The law firm conducting the investigation said in their final report that they believed the women to be credible, but they didn’t have enough evidence Myadze broke state law or city rules. 

Alder Juliana Bennett is one of the women who accused Myadze of harassment. 

“When I first met Alder Myadze, he repeatedly referred to himself as the lone wolf,” Bennett said at Tuesday night’s meeting. “Throughout this entire process, I have come to realize that that was a truthful characterization of Alder Myadze. I truly believe that he is a wolf in the hen’s house.” 

“I apologize to anybody I’ve said something that was out of pocket,” Myadze said during the meeting. “But my job here is to do my job, and the will of the city.” 

The council voted to censure Myadze. That’s mostly a symbolic gesture. On top of that, the council voted to remove him from his committee assignments. 

Myadze has previously said he plans to finish out his term.